Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com Tapping into the world’s universal craving for confectionery, Philippines-based Markenburg International Foods aims to push its global growth further by satisfying the world’s sweet tooth. Founded in 1996 as a manufacturer of export-quality marshmallows tailored to specific client needs in every country, Markenburg rose through the decades as one of the most respected companies in the Philippine confectionery industry. Among its secrets to the creation of its globally known marshmallows and chocolates lies in its commitment to customisation and strict quality standards. “When we develop a product, we look at the market’s reaction and adjust the item’s value proposition accordingly until we see that the consumers are truly happy,” says general manager Jimmy Cu. “Research and development is part of our DNA, and we continuously innovate to improve our offerings.” Certified by the British Retail Consortium, an association promoting global standards for food safety, Markenburg is able to export all across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. We’re making people’s lives better by creating products that bring positive experiences to everyone Jimmy Cu, general manager The company leverages on this expansive market base to create a production strategy that combines local expertise strengths with global technologies such as production machinery from Europe and packaging equipment from Japan. Its global market also gives it access to materials across the world at competitive prices, which it passes on to its clients comprising consumers and industrial customers under its contract manufacturing services. Markenburg welcomes partnerships with retailers, hotel brands and restaurants while looking to collaborate with raw materials suppliers, technological partners for flavour innovation, and packaging experts worldwide. Seeing tremendous opportunities in the region, the company also has its eye on connecting with distribution partners in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. “We would like to share with the world our values of integrity and commitment to delivering top-notch and fun confectionery,” Cu says. “We’re making people’s lives better by creating products that bring positive experiences to everyone.” www.markenburg.com.ph